Key-ejecting ignition switch



July 16, 1968 ,1 A. MUENCH, JR 3,392,560

KEY-EJECTING IGNITION SWITCH y Filed NOV. 13, 1967 ATTRNEY United States Patent O 3,392,560 KEY-EJECTING IGNITION SWITCH John A. Muench, Jr., 130 Windsor Ave.,

Westmont, NJ. 08108 Filed Nov. 13, 1967, Ser. No. 682,023 7 Claims. (Cl. 70-388) ABSTRACT F THE DISCLOSURE This invention is essentially concerned with a key-ejecting ignition switch for an internal-combustion engine wherein opening of the switch to stop the engine results in ejection of the key into the operators hand, the ejection being effected lpneumatically, as by the intake-manifold vacuum of the engine.

Backgronnd of the invention As is well known to those versed in the art, a substantial number of structural arrangements have been proposed to prevent the leaving of an automobile key in the car, either by negligence or otherwise. Toward this end the prior art suggests the use of various warning devices, such as audible or visual alarms operable upon stopping of the engine without removing of the key. However, such devices are not automatic in operation, in that it is necessary for the operator or user of the vehicle to respond to the alarm.

There has also been proposed by the prior art the use of spring ejection of an ignition key. However, this presents the problem of undue force being required for insertion of the key, and is therefore unacceptable for broad usage.

Summary Accordingly, it is an important object of the present invention to provide an entirely automatic key ejector for a key-lock ignition switch, which requires no response of the operator, and wherein the key may be quickly and easily inserted into the lock without opposing the force of an ejection spring.

It is a further object of the Ipresent invention to provide a key-lock ignition switch having the advantageous characteristics set forth in the preceding paragraph, which is extremely simple in construction, durable and reliable in operation throughout a long useful life, and which can be economically manufactured for use as original equipment or as an attachment to existing equipment without appreciable cost.

Other objects of the present invention will become ap- Iparent upon reading the following specification and referring to the accompanying drawings, which form a material part of this disclosure.

The invention accordingly consists in the features of construction, combinations of elements, and arrangements of parts, which will be exemplified in the construction hereinafter described, and of which the scope will be indicated by the appended claims.

Brief description of the drawings FIGURE 1 is a longitudinal sectional view showing an ignition switch of the present invention with a key inserted in the switch, but in a nonuse or inoperative condition.

FIGURE 2 is a longitudinal sectional View similar to FIGURE l, but illustrating the operative condition wherein the engine of a vehicle is running.

FIGURE 3 is a longitudinal sectional view similar to FIGURES 1 and 2, but illustrating the condition of key ejection.

FIGURE 4 is a transverse sectional view taken generally along the line 4-4 of FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 5 is a transverse sectional view taken generally along the line 5-5 of FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 6 is a transverse sectional view taken generally along the line 6-6 of FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 7 is a diagrammatic representation showing a slightly modified embodiment of the present invention.

Description of the preferred embodiments Referring now more particularly to the drawings, and specifically to FIGURES 1*-6 thereof, an ignition switch of the present invention is there generally designated 10 and includes a barrel 11 which may be externally threaded for securement in a dash panel 12, as by locknuts 13 and 14 on opposite sides of the dash panel. The barrel 11 is provided with an internal cylindrical hollow 15 opening forwardly and rotatably receiving a tumbler plug 16 having a longitudinally extending, open-ended thru slot 17. A key 18 is illustrated as inserted in the slot 17 from the forward open end thereof being specifically configured to displace tumblers and enable rotation of the plug 16 in the conventional manner. Also conventional may be switch contacts (not shown) electrically connected in the ignition circuit of an internal-combustion engine and adapted to be opened and closed upon rotation of the plug 15.

Extending rearwardly or inwardly from the inner end of barrel 11, generally longitudinally thereof, is a cylinder, generally designated 20. The cylinder 20 may be formed integrally with or otherwise fixedly secured to the barrel 11, and has its forward end closed, as by a wall 21 provided with a central thru opening or bore 22 communicat ing between the rear open end of plug slot 17 and the interior of the cylinder 20. Externally of the cylinder 20 there may be provided a mounting flange 23, and the rear or inner end of the cylinder may be closed by an end cap or closure 24 having a central thru opening or breather vent 25. Projecting externally from the cylinder 20, adjacent to the forward cylinder end may be a tubular nipple 26 communicating between the interior and exterior of the cylinder. A conduit 27 may be connected at one end to the nipple 26, having its other end adapted for connection to the intake manifold of an internal-combustion engine. By this means, the intake-manifold vacuum is communicated to the interior of the cylinder 20 adjacent to the forward end thereof.

A pneumatically actuable element, such as a piston 30 is located in the cylinder 20 adjacent to the rear end thereof. The piston 30 is slidable in the cylinder 20, longitudinally thereof, as will appear more fully hereinafter. If desired, other pneumatically actuable means may be employed in place of the piston 20, such as a diaphragm, or the like.

Interposed between the piston 30 and forward end of the cylinder 20 is ejector means, generally designated 32. More specifically, the ejector means 32 may include an elongate ejector member or rod 33, which may be of generally circular cross section, having its forward end portion 34 generally flattened for passage through the opening 22 slidably into the plug slot 17 through the rear open end thereof. The distal or inner end of ejection member 33, as at 35, may be externally threaded for receiving thereon a generally cup-shaped spring seat or guide 36. That is, on the rearward end region 35 of the ejector member or rod 33, the generally circular guide or spring seat 36 is threadedly circumposed for adjustment longitudinally thereof. Suitable sealing means, such as an O ring 37 may be seated in the bore 22 in slidable circum- -position about the ejector rod 33 to pneumatically seal the bore 22.

A cushioning means, such as a coil compression spring 40 is interposed between the inner end 3S of ejector rod 33 and the piston 30, having its forward end engaging therspring seat or guide 36, and a rear spring seat or guide 41 may` b'e'interposed between the rear end of spring 40 and the piston 30.

It will therefore be appreciated that the ejector means 32, including the rod 33 and cushioning means or spring 40 are effectively maintained centrally within the cylinder 20, being rotatable therein. That is, the rod 33 by its forward end 34 engaging in the key slot 17 is rotatable with the plug 16. In addition, a relatively light return spring 42 may be circumposed about the ejector rod 33 between the forward cylinder Wall 21 and the forward guide member 36 to urge the rod and guide member rearwardly or inwardly.

In the condition of FIGURE l, the key 18 has been inserted into the slot 17, with the inner end of the key engaging the forward or outer end of the ejector rod 33. The yproportions of rod 33 and spring 40 may be such that the key 18 slightly depresses the ejector rod against the force of spring 40, although this is not essential. That is, the key 18 may be freely engaged in the slot 17 with little or no resistance being imparted by the ejector means 32.

In the condition of FIGURE 2 the key 1S has been rotated to close the contacts of the ignition switch and the engine is running with intake-manifold vacuum being applied to the interior of cylinder 20, as indicated by arrow 44. Thus, vacuum is communicated to the interior of cylinder 20 causing the piston 30 to shift forwardly and compress the spring 40. The ejector rod 33 is held against forward movement by its end engagement with the key 18.

However, as seen in FIGURE 3, wherein the key 18 has been rotated to its initial position, the vacuum communicated to the cylinder 20 shifts the piston 30 further forwardly to move the entire ejector means 36 forwardly so that the rod 33 forcibly ejects the key 18 into the users hand. This ejecting action is positive and highly effective notwithstanding that the engine quickly stops. That is, even a few engine revolutions are suiicient to maintain the required manifold vacuum for key ejection.

However, there is the condition where manifold vacuum for key ejection `will not exist, as where the key has merely been turned on and olf without the engine starting. In the embodiment of FIGURE 7 is shown a slightly modified construction which assures key ejection in the absence of the engine running. A switch device is there generally designated 10a and corresponds to the switch 10 of the first-described embodiment. A conduit 27a is connected between the cylinder a of the switch 10a and an intake manifold 46. Connected in the conduit 27a is a vacuum tank 47 in communication between the manifold 46 and cylinder 20a. On opposite sides of the tank 47, connected in the conduit 27a are respective valves 48 and 49. The valve 48 may be a one-way check valve interconnected between the manifold 46 and tank 47, while the valve 49 may be a solenoid-operated type and connected in conduit 27a between tank 47 and cylinder 20a'. The valve 49 may be normally closed and opened upon closure of the ignition switch 10a, so that vacuum of the manifold 46 is communicated through the valve 48, tank 47 and valve 49 to the cylinder 20u. Upon opening of the ignition switch 20a the valve 49 closes so that vacuum is maintained in the tank 47 during nonuse. Hence, upon mere closing of the ignition switch 19a with- 4 out running the engine, vacuum remaining in the tank 4 is applied through the open valve 49 to the cylinder 20a, so that the key 18a is ejected, in the manner described hereinbefore in connection with FIGURES l-6, upon return to its open position.

From the foregoing, it is seen that the present invention provides a key-lock ignition switch which fully accomplishes its intended objects and is Well adapted to meet practical conditions of manufacture, installation and use.

Although the present invention has been described in some detail by way of illustration and example for purposes of clarity of understanding, it is understood that certain changes and modifications may be made within the spirit of the invention and scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. A key-lock ignition switch for an internal-combustion engine, said switch comprising a barrel, a rotary plug in said barrel having a longitudinally extending openended slot for removably receiving a key through one slot end in one position of plug rotation, a cylinder extending from said barrel adjacent to the other slot end, piston means in said cylinder remote from said barrel, fluid-Condit means having one end connected in fluid cornmunication with the interior of said cylinder adjacent to said barrel and having its other end adapted for connection to an engine intake manifold, and resilient ejector means in said cylinder operatively connected to said piston means and extending therefrom slidably into said slot through said other slot end, whereby said piston means is urged toward said plug by manifold vacuum to forcibly engage said ejector means against the key and eject the later upon plug rotation to said one position.

2. An ignition switch according to claim 1, said resilient ejector means comprising an elongate member having one end slidably engageable in said slot, and resiliently compressible cushioning means interposed between said piston means and the other end of said elongate member for applying yieldable force to said member.

3. An ignition switch according to claim 2, said elongate member having said one end configured for sliding engagement in said key slot and rotatable with said plug.

4. An ignition switch according to claim 3, said cushioning means being rotatable with said elongate member for rotation with said plug.

5. An ignition switch according to claim 2, said cushioning means comprising a guide member carried by said elongate member, and a coil compression spring interposed between said guide member and piston means.

6. An ignition switch according to claim 5, in combination with a return spring circumposed about said elongate member intermediate said barrel and guide for returning said guide upon cessation of vacuum.

7. An ignition switch according to claim 1, in combination with a vacuum tank connected in fluid communication with said conduit means for maintaining a vacuum supply Without engine operation.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,217,114 ll/1965 Proctor -388 X MARVIN A. CHAMPION, Primary Examiner.

P. TEITELBAUM, Assistant Examiner. 

